Kim Jong Un Rumored To Take North Korean Leadership

Kim Jong Il, the leader of North Korea, was reported dead Monday by North Korean state TV, and the country looks set to place son Kim Jong Un into power.

Kim Jong Il died Saturday morning at the age of 69, apparently of heart failure. North Korean state TV attributed his death to “over work” after “dedicating his life to the people.”

North Korea broke the news as it apparently prepared for hereditary succession. Kim Jong Un had been tapped in September 2010 to be the next leader of North Korea. The third and youngest son of Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un is in his 20’s and had been ushered into high-ranking posts in the North Korean government and military apparatus in preparation for the leadership role.

Kim Jong Un's ascension would place the future of North Korea squarely in the hands of a millennial. Though difficult to determine, it is believed that a large proportion of the North Korean population is below the age of 40.

Kim Jong Un is said to be shy, but very competitive in sports. He has a fascination with the NBA and Michael Jordan. It is believed that Kim Jong Un studied computer science privately in North Korea.

It is also reported that Kim Jong Un is exactly like his father in terms of personality, in contrast to his two brothers. Reports indicate hs is a diabetic and suffers from hypertension.

Kim Jong Il, the communist leader of the most reclusive nation in the world, was believed to also have diabetes and heart disease. Kim Jong Il had suffered a stroke in 2008, but was reported to be in good shape as recently as this year.

Kim Jong Il replaced his father Kim Il Sung, who had founded the communist nation as the leader of North Korea in 1994.